Detroit homeowners struggling with property taxes and the looming threat of foreclosure have a lifeline this week. The city's Taxpayer Service Center is opening its doors for a resource fair aimed at educating residents on how to keep their homes out of foreclosure. Slated for Friday, the fair will run from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center, located at 2631 Bagley St.

Attendees can expect a wealth of information on managing both current and delinquent property taxes. Programs such as the Plan Ahead Program, the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption (HOPE), and Primary Residence Exemptions (PREs) will be showcased. Moreover, resources around home improvement loans, utility assistance programs, and options for convenient tax payments will also be available, according to the City of Detroit.

The fair is being staffed by a consortium of organizations, among them the City of Detroit Treasury, the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, the Housing and Revitalization Department, and the Detroit Health Department. Other participants include the Detroit Department of Transportation, the Detroit Ombudsman Office, and the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department.

"We know how important home ownership is for Detroiters and this Taxpayer Resource Fair is a way to share and connect residents to vital programs and other resources that will help in maintaining home ownership," Nikhil Patel, the City of Detroit Chief Deputy CFO and Treasurer expressed in a statement, per the City of Detroit. Patel highlights the city's efforts to reach out to homeowners who may be on the verge of losing their properties and need guidance on how to navigate their financial challenges.

The event is a proactive attempt to curtail the growing problem of home forfeitures in Detroit. It aims to empower residents with knowledge and resources, such as utility assistance and tax payment plans, that could be crucial in avoiding foreclosure.